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Police, Sheriff Test Alternate Transportation

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By VALERIE KALFRIN and JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 21, 2008

TAMPA - Local law enforcement officers might start driving fuel-efficient cars if the smaller vehicles measure up to the rigors of the job.
Rising gas prices are forcing the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to consider alternatives.

Both departments have Ford Crown Victorias in their fleets - 1,250 at the police department and about 1,400 at the sheriff's office. The Crown Victoria has long been considered "the warhorse of law enforcement" because of its sturdiness and durability, said Jim Livingston, support services division director of the sheriff's office.

But the sheriff's office recently bought 24 Dodge Chargers that will be assigned to a special team of deputies who respond to crime hot spots, Livingston said. The sheriff's office hopes to compare the Chargers' performance and gas mileage to the Fords in the rest of the fleet.

Meanwhile, Tampa police are researching whether to purchase a few hybrid vehicles this year or next year when a number of Fords in the fleet will need to be replaced, agency spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. "We're looking into it to see if it's feasible," she said.

The department replaces vehicles every seven years, she said. It purchased 137 Crown Victorias in 2007 to replace cars reaching the expiration date this year.

Tampa police also are taking bids on an electric golf cart to replace a gas-powered cart used for a daytime patrol that covers downtown Tampa, Ybor City and Channelside, McElroy said.

Crown Victorias and Chargers cost about $20,000 each. The Ford has a more powerful V8 engine so it uses more gas than the Dodge with its V6.

The police department and sheriff's office recently suggested employees take other measures to reduce fuel use, such as limiting the time engines idle and properly inflating tires.

Sheriff David Gee in a June 17 memorandum requested a reduction in fuel use by at least 10 percent, suggesting deputies refrain from driving across their assigned areas to respond to nonviolent, lower-priority calls.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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